Quotes from book
The Privilege of the Sword

The Privilege of the Sword is a fantasy novel by American author Ellen Kushner. First published in 2006 by Bantam Spectra, the novel won the 2007 Locus Award and was nominated for both the Nebula Award for Best Novel and the Gaylactic Spectrum Award in 2007. Although part of a series, the book also serves as a stand-alone.

“In real life, my sweet poet,” the duke said as the swordsmen circled, “words can never be undone.”
Part I, Chapter IX (p. 99)
The Privilege of the Sword (2006)

“He felt the almost sexual thrill of being the one in the room with all the power.”
Part IV, Chapter VI (p. 405)
The Privilege of the Sword (2006)